| 1. |
- Blixt, Simon, et al.
(author)
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Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register
- 2024
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In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 25:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR.METHODS: Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement.RESULTS: The reliability between reviewers was high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively).CONCLUSIONS: The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.
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| 2. |
- Blixt, Simon, et al.
(author)
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Reliability of thoracolumbar burst fracture classification in the Swedish Fracture Register
- 2024
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In: BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 25:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) is a national quality register for all types of fractures in Sweden. Spine fractures have been included since 2015 and are classified using a modified AOSpine classification. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the classification of thoracolumbar burst fractures in the SFR.Methods Assessments of medical images were conducted in 277 consecutive patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (T10-L3) identified in the SFR. Two independent reviewers classified the fractures according to the AOSpine classification, with a third reviewer resolving disagreement. The combined results of the reviewers were considered the gold standard. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the reviewers was determined with Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. The SFR classification was compared with the gold standard using positive predictive values (PPV), Cohen's kappa and percent agreement.Results The reliability between reviewers was high (Cohen's kappa 0.70-0.97). The PPV for correctly classifying burst fractures in the SFR was high irrespective of physician experience (76-89%), treatment (82% non-operative, 95% operative) and hospital type (83% county, 95% university). The inter-rater reliability of B-type injuries and the overall SFR classification compared with the gold standard was low (Cohen's kappa 0.16 and 0.17 respectively).Conclusions The SFR demonstrates a high PPV for accurately classifying burst fractures, regardless of physician experience, treatment and hospital type. However, the reliability of B-type injuries and overall classification in the SFR was found to be low. Future studies on burst fractures using SFR data where classification is important should include a review of medical images to verify the diagnosis.
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| 3. |
- Buwaider, Ali, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of early mortality following surgical or nonsurgical treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures : a retrospective nationwide registry study
- 2024
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In: The spine journal. - : Elsevier. - 1529-9430 .- 1878-1632.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures are a significant public health concern due to their association with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Despite being mostly caused by low-energy trauma, these fractures significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Currently, research regarding early mortality based on the choice of treatment following these fractures is limited. Identifying predictors of early mortality may aid in postoperative patient monitoring and improve outcomes. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify predictors of 30-days, 90-days, and 1-year mortality in adults treated for subaxial fractures.STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the nationwide Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). PATIENT SAMPLE: All adult patients in the SFR who underwent treatment for a subaxial cervical fracture (n = 1,963).OUTCOME MEASURES: Analyzed variables included age, sex, injury mechanism, neurological function, fracture characteristics, and treatment type. The primary endpoints were 30-days, 90-days, and 1-year mortality.METHODS: About 1,963 patients in the SFR, treated for subaxial cervical fractures between 2013 and 2021, were analyzed. Surgical procedures included anterior, posterior, or anteroposterior approaches. Nonsurgical treatment included collar treatment or medical examinations without intervention. Stepwise regression and Cox regression analysis were used to determine predictors. Model performance was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).RESULTS: 620 patients underwent surgery and 1,343 received nonsurgical treatment. Surgical cases had primarily translation fractures, with 323 (52%) displaying no neurological deficits. Mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were 22/620 (3.5%), 35/620 (5.6%), and 53/620 (8.5%), respectively. Age and SCI were predictors of mortality. Nonsurgically treated patients mostly had compression fracture, with 1,214 (90%) experiencing no neurological deficits. Mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were 41/1,343 (3.1%), 71/1,343 (5.3%), and 118/1,343 (8.7%). Age, male sex, SCI and fractures occurring at the C3 or C6 levels were predictors of mortality. An intact neurological function was a positive predictor of survival among nonsurgically treated patients (AUC >0.78).CONCLUSIONS: Age and SCI emerged as significant predictors of early mortality in both surgically and nonsurgically treated patients. An intact neurological function served as a protective factor against early mortality in nonsurgically treated patients. Fractures at C3 or C6 vertebrae may impact mortality.
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| 4. |
- El-Hajj, Victor Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Evolution of patient-reported outcome measures, 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures, a nation-wide registry study
- 2023
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In: The spine journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1529-9430 .- 1878-1632. ; 23:8, s. 1182-1188
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A longer duration of patient follow up arguably provides more reli-able data on the long-term effects of a treatment. However, the collection of long-term follow up data is resource demanding and often complicated by missing data and patients being lost to follow up. In surgical fixation for cervical spine fractures, data are lacking on the evolution of patient reported out -come measures (PROMs) beyond 1-year of follow up. We hypothesized that the PROMs would remain stable beyond the 1-year postoperative follow up mark, regardless of the surgical approach.PURPOSE: To assess the trends in the evolution of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 2-, and 5-years following surgery in patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries.STUDY DESIGN: Nation-wide observational study on prospectively collected data.PATIENT SAMPLE: Individuals treated for subaxial cervical spine fractures with anterior, poste-rior, or combined anteroposterior approaches, between 2006 and 2016 were identified in the Swed-ish Spine Registry (Swespine).OUTCOME MEASURES: PROMs consisting of EQ-5D-3Lindex and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were considered.METHODS: PROMs data were available for 292 patients at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Five-years PROMs data were available for 142 of these patients. A simultaneous within-group (longitu-dinal) and between group (approach-dependent) analysis was performed using mixed ANOVA. The predictive ability of 1-year PROMs was subsequently assessed using linear regression.RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA revealed that PROMs remained stable from 1-to 2-years as well as from 2-to 5-years postoperatively and were not significantly affected by the surgical approach (p<0.05). A strong correlation was found between 1-year and both 2-and 5-years PROMs (R>0.7; p<0.001). Linear regression confirmed the accuracy of 1-year PROMs in predicting both 2-and 5-years PROMs (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: PROMs remained stable beyond 1-year of follow up in patients treated with ante-rior, posterior, or combined anteroposterior surgeries for subaxial cervical spine fractures. The 1 -year PROMs were strong predictors of PROMs measured at 2, and 5 years. The 1-year PROMs were sufficient to assess the outcomes of subaxial cervical fixation irrespective of the surgical approach.& COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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| 5. |
- El-Hajj, Victor Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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The Effect of Concomitant Spinal Cord Injury on Postoperative Health-related Quality of Life After Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries : A Nationwide Registry Study
- 2024
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In: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. - : Elsevier. - 0003-9993 .- 1532-821X. ; 105:6, s. 1069-1075
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate the effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries and investigate the agreement between objective neurologic outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in that context.Study Design: Observational study on prospectively collected multi-institutional registry data. Setting: Sweden. Participants: Patients with traumatic subaxial spine injuries identified in the Swedish Spine Registry (Swespine) between 2006 and 2016.Interventions: Anterior, posterior, or anteroposterior cervical fixation surgery. Main Outcomes: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) consisting of EQ-5D-3L(index) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).Results: Among the 418 identified patients, 93 (22%) had a concomitant SCI. In this group, 30 (32%) had a complete SCI (Frankel A), and the remainder had incomplete SCIs (17%) Frankel B; 25 (27%) Frankel C; 22 (24%) Frankel D. PROMs significantly correlated with the Frankel grade (P<.001). However, post hoc analysis revealed that the differences between adjacent Frankel grades failed to reach both statistical and clinical significance. On univariable linear regression, the Frankel grade was a significant predictor of a specific index derived from the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L(index)) at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively as well as the NDI at 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P<.001). Changes of PROMs over time from 1, to 2, and 5 years postoperatively did not reach statistical significance, regardless of the presence and degree of SCI (P>.05).Conclusion: Overall, the Frankel grade significantly correlated with the EQ-5D-3L(index) and NDI and was a significant predictor of PROMs at 1, 2, and 5 years. PROMs were stable beyond 1 year postoperatively regardless of the severity of the SCI. (c) 2024 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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| 6. |
- Singh, Aman, et al.
(author)
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Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation
- 2024
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 166:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia.METHODS: All individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006.RESULTS: In total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified.CONCLUSION: Occipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.
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| 7. |
- Singh, Aman, et al.
(author)
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Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation
- 2024
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 166:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia.MethodsAll individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006.ResultsIn total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified.ConclusionOccipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.
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| 8. |
- Singh, Aman, et al.
(author)
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Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life After Combined Anteroposterior Surgery Versus Anterior Surgery Alone in Subaxial Cervical Spine Fractures Analysis of a National Multicenter Data Set
- 2023
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In: Spine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 48:12, s. 853-858
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study design.Observational study on prospectively collected data. Objectives.To compare patient-reported outcomes and complications after anteroposterior surgery or anterior surgery in subaxial cervical spine fractures. Summary of Background Data.There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical approach for subaxial cervical spine fractures. Although anterior surgery is often sufficient to restore stability, anteroposterior surgery is sometimes preferred in severe instability. The effects of a more extensive procedure on patient-reported outcomes have not been investigated. We hypothesized that patient-reported outcomes and complication rates were similar between these surgical approaches. Materials and Methods.Individuals treated with either a combined anteroposterior or anterior surgery alone between 2006 and 2016 and with at least 1-year follow-up were identified in the Swedish Spine Registry. Cases were matched 1:2 for age (+/- 5 y). Outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI), EQ-5D-3L index, satisfaction, reoperations, and surgeon-reported and patient-reported complications within 90 days. Mann-Whitney U-tests and chi(2) tests were used in statistical comparisons. Results.The median [interquartile range] number of instrumented vertebrae was 3 [2-5.5] in the anteroposterior group and 2 [2-3] in the anterior group (P<0.001). The mean +/- SD follow-up time was 3.5 +/- 2.3 years in the anteroposterior and 3.8 +/- 2.0 years in the anterior group (P=0.39), respectively. At follow-up, Neck Disability Index was 20 [6-37] in the anteroposterior group and 18 [3.5-40] in the anterior group (P=0.69), and the median EQ-5D-3L index was 0.73 [0.12-0.80] in the anteroposterior group and 0.75 [0.62-0.89] in the anterior group (P=0.27). Satisfaction with the treatment was reported by 90% in the anteroposterior group and by 87% in the anterior group (P=0.98). None of the individuals in the anteroposterior and 6 of the individuals in the anterior group were reoperated (P=0.18). Conclusion.Patients operated on with anteroposterior or anterior surgery for subaxial cervical spine fractures are equally satisfied and report similar health-related quality of life measures.
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| 9. |
- Singh, Aman, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of failure after primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for subaxial traumatic spine injuries
- 2024
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In: European spine journal. - : Springer. - 0940-6719 .- 1432-0932.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Traumatic subaxial fractures account for more than half of all cervical spine injuries. The optimal surgical approach is a matter of debate and may include anterior, posterior or a combined anteroposterior (360º) approach. Analyzing a cohort of patients initially treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for traumatic subaxial injuries, the study aimed to identify predictors for treatment failure and the subsequent need for supplementary posterior fusion (PF).METHODS: A retrospective, single center, consecutive cohort study of all adult patients undergoing primary ACDF for traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures between 2006 and 2018 was undertaken and 341 patients were included. Baseline clinical and radiological data for all included patients were analyzed and 11 cases of supplementary posterior fixation were identified.RESULTS: Patients were operated at a median of 2.0 days from the trauma, undergoing 1-level (78%), 2-levels (16%) and ≥ 3-levels (6.2%) ACDF. A delayed supplementary PF was performed in 11 cases, due to ACDF failure. On univariable regression analysis, older age (p = 0.017), shorter stature (p = 0.031), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) injury (p = 0.004), injury to ligamentum flavum (p = 0.005), bilateral facet joint dislocation (p < 0.001) and traumatic cervical spondylolisthesis (p = 0.003) predicted ACDF failure. On the multivariable regression model, older age (p = 0.015), PLL injury (p = 0.048), and bilateral facet joint dislocation (p = 0.010) remained as independent predictors of ACDF failure.CONCLUSIONS: ACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures. High age, bilateral facet joint dislocation and traumatic PLL disruption are independent predictors of failure. We suggest increased vigilance regarding these cases.
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| 10. |
- Wänman, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Minimally invasive surgery for thoracolumbar spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
- 2023
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In: International journal of spine surgery. - : International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. - 2211-4599. ; 17:4, s. 526-533
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are prone to spinal fractures even after low-energy trauma. Posterior fusion through open surgery has been the standard procedure for spinal fractures in patients with AS. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proposed as an alternative treatment option. There are few literature reports regarding patients with AS being treated for spinal fractures with MIS. This study aims to present the clinical outcome of a series of patients with AS treated with MIS for spinal fractures.METHODS: We included a consecutive series of patients with AS who underwent MIS for thoracolumbar fractures between 2014 and 2021. The median follow-up was 38 (12-75) months. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed, and data on surgery, reoperations, complications, fracture healing, and mortality were recorded.RESULTS: Forty-three patients (39 [91%] men) were included with a median (range) age of 73 (38-89) years. All patients underwent image-guided MIS with screws and rods. Three patients underwent reoperations, all due to wound infections. One patient (2%) died within 30 days and 7 (16%) died within the first year after surgery. Most patients with a radiographic follow-up of 12 months or more (29/30) healed with a bony fusion on computed tomography (97%).CONCLUSION: Patients with AS and a spinal fracture are at risk of reoperation and have significant mortality during the first year. MIS provides adequate surgical stability for fracture healing with an acceptable number of complications and is an adequate choice in treating AS-related spinal fractures.
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